An optimistic look at progress and promise in Irvine

THE SUSAN AND HENRY SAMUELI COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES WILL INCLUDE A NEW BUILDING HOUSING STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY AND LABS. COURTESY UCI

Irvine City News editorial staff​

As we were going to press with the October issue of Irvine City News, we learned that Henry and Susan Samueli were donating another $200 million to UCI. It’s the largest gift in the history of the university and the seventh-largest donation to a single public university in the U.S.

The result will be the Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, which will be “the first university-based health sciences enterprise to incorporate integrative health research, teaching and patient care across its schools and programs” and “positions UCI as a bold, new leader in population health, patient care, education and research,” according to a statement from UCI and the Samuelis.

We are not surprised by the generous gift. After all, the Samuelis and their foundation gave $30 million earlier this year to fund a convergent science building at UCI, part of $70 million the couple had given to the school prior to the most recent donation.

The generosity of the Samuelis represents an optimistic view of the future of humanity. Their plan is to change healthcare as we know it, including how doctors, nurses and pharmacists are trained.

“The Samuelis’ vision means UCI will be a beacon for the brightest faculty and students in all related disciplines—a place where they can do their best work and tackle grand challenges,” said Dr. Howard Federoff, CEO of UCI Health.

The impact the gift could have on the health of all our children and grandchildren is mindboggling. The ultimate goal is nothing less than optimal wellness.

And here’s a thought: the wealth that supports the couple’s philanthropy was created right here in Irvine.

Broadcom Corp. was founded in 1991, moved to Irvine in 1995 and went public in 1998. The company’s products have helped make possible the computer and communications networks upon which we all now rely.

A good deal of wealth was created in the process, and many lives were changed for the better. Including the life of this city, and the university that shares its name.

It’s because of people like the Samuelis and institutions like UCI that we are optimistic about the future of this city.

We think many, if not most, Irvine residents are hopeful and optimistic by nature. It’s a California thing, as well as something often seen in newcomers and immigrants, who endure much to provide their children with an exceptional education and their families the opportunity for a better life.​Of course, there are those who live in and love Irvine who believe the city’s best days are in the past. That we must limit our vision, cut our expectations, and tell our children not to dream so big.

We are not among that pessimistic crew.

Who knows what innovations are being developed right now in Irvine, what artists are emerging, what visions being born? No doubt there are businesses making the choice to locate in the city, drawn by the same qualities that attracted Broadcom’s founders.

We believe that in the decades to come the milestones and accomplishments of the past few years—and those coming just around the corner—will serve as an inspiration to future Irvine residents, and those who live elsewhere.

Folks like the Samuelis who came to Irvine hoping to do well, succeeded, and in turn have given back to this city and its people more than they received.